pnDBGetConn() under 0.726

In the Example module, the recommended way of getting an ADODB connection object under 0.75x is by reference, i.e. something like:

Code

$goDatabase =& pnDBGetConn( true );

The old way in the Template module is by value:

Code

list( $loDatabase ) = pnDBGetConn();

The module I'm writing is for 0.726, so I'm doing things the old way. My question is, is there any reason to get the ADODB connection by value under 0.726, or can I get it by reference and save myself some overhead, e.g.:

Code

list( $loDatabase ) =& pnDBGetConn();

Perhaps the reference would then point to something local in the list function and be counter-productive?